Tori and Shayne’s wedding at the breathtaking Dover Hall in Virginia combined the moody tones of fall with touches of timeless romance and mystery. Inspired by Beauty and the Beast and The Great Gatsby, they created a regal and cinematic wedding — perfectly balancing fairytale charm with the lively spirit of a grand celebration. From the first meeting on a dating app, their connection blossomed into a love story that culminated in this majestic autumn day with family and friends.
Location: Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, USA
Style: Moody, regal, cinematic
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Ceremony – pool, reception – ballroom
Season: Fall
Tori and Shayne’s love story is one of those online dating tales that truly worked out. The couple met on the popular dating app Hinge in May 2020 amid uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. After months of chatting, their first date in late June was nothing short of love at first sight.
Fast forward to February 2022, when Shayne proposed to Tori in a charming greenhouse, a place steeped in rustic charm. The proposal was heartfelt, surrounded by rose petals, champagne, and pictures of their life together, making it an unforgettable milestone in their relationship.
The hashtag for their wedding perfectly summed up their journey: #HingeToHastings.
Bridal Morning
Tori began the big day feeling like a radiant goddess in her stunning Enzoani Pearl gown, perfectly capturing her vision of regal beauty. She paired it effortlessly with classic Manolo Blahnik heels and her signature fragrance, Chanel No. 5. Her makeup featured a natural glam look, while her hair was styled in an elegant updo with a few delicate strands framing her face.
A long, minimalistic veil added the final touch, fusing seamlessly with her graceful and timeless look.
"I felt like a beautiful, HOT princess in my gown. I couldn’t wait for Shayne to see me for the first time walking down that aisle."
The wedding programs were designed by Tori’s best friend and bridesmaid in a charming newspaper style, which was an instant hit with all the guests.
Amative Creative captured the day exactly as the couple had dreamed—cinematic and magical as if every moment was a scene from a movie. Each photo felt like a timeless frame, perfectly reflecting the elegance and romance of the day.
Groom's Fashion
Shayne wore a midnight pin dot tuxedo by Black Tux paired with black pants. His look was elegant yet understated, allowing personal details to take center stage.
Shayne carried a vintage gold pendant inside his jacket with a photo of his late grandmother, a deeply meaningful gesture that kept her memory close to his heart. With his grandmother’s gold bracelet tucked safely in his pocket, Shayne was reminded of her presence throughout the day. His boutonniere, designed by Fruition Floral Design, added the final touch to his sophisticated look.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place by the venue’s reflection pool. It was the perfect backdrop for the romantic, moody atmosphere of the day. Shayne’s heart raced as he caught his first glimpse of Tori walking arm-in-arm with her father down the aisle. Their eyes met, and they were instantly overwhelmed with emotion, making it a moment they’d cherish forever.
Despite concerns about rain, the weather held out, allowing Tori and Shayne to exchange vows under a cloudy but beautifully dramatic fall sky.
"The biggest thing we chose for our ceremony was to have the chairs angled inward and in a semi-circle, form to allow all guests a good view of the moment we became a union."
As the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, it felt as if time stood still for them, marking the perfect end to a magical ceremony.
Private Moment
Following the ceremony, Tori and Shayne slipped away for a private moment together, embracing the significance of the day and the emotions that came with it. As they stood hand in hand, a double rainbow appeared in the sky, which they felt was a powerful symbol of Shayne’s grandmother watching over them.
This breathtaking moment was beautifully captured by Amative Creative, whose stunning portraits highlighted the grandeur of the venue’s architecture and the deep love and connection between Tori and Shayne. The moment was filled with quiet reflection, their love magnified by the beauty of the setting and the profound meaning of the day.
Decor & Setting
The couple’s vision for their wedding was inspired by the timeless romance of Beauty and the Beast paired with the celebratory brilliance of The Great Gatsby. With the help of their talented planner, The Hive Wedding Collective, they brought this magical vision to life. Rich fall colors dominated the decor, from the floral arrangements to the moody candlelit ambiance of the reception.
The reception space, Dover Hall’s grand ballroom, was draped in deep burgundy and ivory, with chandeliers casting a warm glow over the dark wooden floors. The tables, set with elegant black tablecloths and gold accents, added to the opulent yet intimate feel of the evening.
Reception
The reception kicked off with an unforgettable entrance as Tori and Shayne made a grand, сinematic descent down the red-carpeted staircase. In one seamless move, they stepped right onto the dance floor for their first dance to “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R., a song that perfectly captured the essence of their love.
In a heartfelt surprise, Tori arranged a first dance for her parents, fulfilling her long-held dream. This beautiful moment evolved into a generational wedding anniversary dance, celebrating the enduring love stories that had inspired her own.
Toasts from Tori’s father, maid of honor and best man filled the room with laughter and tears, setting the tone for a night filled with joy and love. Instead of the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, Tori and Shayne opted for a dessert bar with cupcakes and cookies, allowing guests to choose their favorite treat.
"Our wedding at Dover Hall in the fall was every bit the romantic, timeless, and meaningful day we imagined."
DJ Sprocket, a close friend from Texas, kept the dance floor lively throughout the night, ensuring the celebration was full of energy and fun.
As the evening came to a close, guests cheered with sparklers in hand as the bride and groom shared a playful dip. The sparklers added a twinkling touch to the festive atmosphere, marking the perfect send-off for a night filled with love and unforgettable memories.
Advice from the couple:
• Stay with your partner at all times, the night flies! We wish we (Tori) would’ve stuck to the rule we set to “stay by each other’s side”. It was hard being pulled in different directions and not staying put on the dance floor together, but overall we couldn’t have asked for a better night!
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Amative Creative | PLANNER Heather Clarke & The Hive Wedding Collective | VENUE Dover Hall | FLORALS Fruition Floral Design | MAKEUP Captivating Complexion | HAIR Boho Braids by Ivy | DJ Orreon Gooden | INVITATIONS Minted Weddings | PHOTOBOOTH Vip Photo Experiences | TRANSPORTATION James River Transport
